Author: Edith Hernandez

Compared to the upheavals of previous centuries, the 19th and 20th centuries were comparatively quiet for the town of Carrickfergus. The act of Union in 1801, the Famine of the 1840s and other important dates left their mark but it was the inexorable rise of Carrickfergus’ near neighbour, Belfast, that would most impact socially and […]

With almost 1000 years of war and peace behind it, Carrickfergus is a ‘must see’ destination for lovers of history. For not only is it one of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, but it has some of the finest Norman architecture in Europe, as exemplified by its indomitable castle. This magnificent structure, built in […]

The Ulster American and Ulster Scots connections The Andrew Jackson Cottage highlights Carrickfergus’ strong American and Ulster-Scots connections as well as telling the story of Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the USA, whose parents emigrated to America from Carrickfergus in 1765. Located less than a mile from the town centre off the Larne Road, this single […]

The PEACE III Programme will be delivered through a cluster approach across Carrickfergus Borough Council, Antrim Borough Council and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The CAN PEACE III Partnership will manage the programme through Newtownabbey Borough Council. Under Priority 1.1 Building Positive Relations at a Local Level, the CAN PEACE III Partnership are inviting applications under its […]

During the 6th century, Fergus, the son of Eric of Armoy, left Ulster to form a kingdom in Scotland, but because he suffered from leprosy, he returned to bathe in a well known to have healing properties. On one of these visits he was shipwrecked on the rock on which the castle now stands, which […]

The strategic importance of the garrison town was emphasised in 1575 when Sir Brian McPhelim O’Neill of Clandeboye burned down much of Carrickfergus. Two years later the fabled Sorley Boy MacDonnell attacked the town. Sir Arthur Chichester assumed governorship of the Castle in 1599. He settled the countryside and successfully planted the town with English […]

The Ulster American and Ulster Scots connections The Andrew Jackson Cottage highlights Carrickfergus’ strong American and Ulster-Scots connections as well as telling the story of Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the USA, whose parents emigrated to America from Carrickfergus in 1765. Located less than a mile from the town centre off the Larne Road, this single […]

Mayor – Alderman Ms Patricia McKinney Deputy Mayor – Councillor Mark Cosgrove It is with a great sense of honour that I have taken on the role of Mayor for the current year. Having served as Deputy Mayor, I am fully aware of the heavy responsibility that rests on the First Citizen of this […]

“I must go down to the seas again…” For those drawn to “..the lonely sea and the sky..”, Carrickfergus has long been a haven for seafaring pursuits. Now, this nautical nirvana has been further enhanced with the spectacular and modern Carrickfergus Marina, a home from home for all sailors, and holder of the prestigious 5 […]

Carrickfergus is the most archaeologically explored town in Northern Ireland. The finds on display at Carrickfergus Museum provide a remarkable glimpse into life in the town from the Medieval period to more recent times. The displays reflect the experiences of ordinary people and illustrate the dramatic and tumultuous events in the town’s history. These collections […]